DRV file icon

DRV File Extension

Device Driver

What is DRV file?

DRV is a short form of Driver and this file format is used as driver files by Windows Operating System. These files are used to define the parameters of the specific hardware device through which that device will synchronize and communicate with the Windows Operating System.

These files are mostly used in installation of device drivers for proper working with the Windows. The devices which are connected with the motherboard of PC through any kind of bus or cable require driver files. Such files are mostly packaged with other files to make them executable for proper driver installation of specific device.

Programs which support DRV file extension

Programs that can handle DRV files are as follows. DRV files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

Programs that support DRV file

Updated: 10/26/2023

How to open file with DRV extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening DRV files on given system. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to Device Driver files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. The list below will guide you through the process of addressing the encountered problem.

Step 1. Get the Microsoft Windows

Install software to open DRV file The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening DRV files is that no program that can handle DRV files is installed on user’s system. To address this issue, go to the Microsoft Windows developer website, download the tool, and install it. It is that easy The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. If you want to download Microsoft Windows installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit Microsoft Corporation website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Update Microsoft Windows to the latest version

Update software that support file extension DRVIf the problems with opening DRV files still occur even after installing Microsoft Windows, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of Microsoft Windows is available. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. This can be one of the causes why DRV files are not compatible with Microsoft Windows. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using Microsoft Windows.

Step 3. Set the default application to open DRV files to Microsoft Windows

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate DRV files with latest version of Microsoft Windows you have installed on your device. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent

Associate software with DRV file on Windows

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

  • Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the DRV file
  • Next, select the Choose another app option and then using More apps open the list of available applications
  • The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where Microsoft Windows is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open DRV files and clicking OK.
Associate software with DRV file on Mac

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

  • By clicking right mouse button on the selected DRV file open the file menu and choose Information
  • Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
  • Select Microsoft Windows and click Change for all...
  • If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with DRV extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Check the DRV for errors

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the DRV file in question. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

Check DRV file for viruses
1. Check the DRV file for viruses or malware

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the DRV file hinders attempts to open it. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. DRV file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Verify that the DRV file’s structure is intact

If you obtained the problematic DRV file from a third party, ask them to supply you with another copy. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. If the DRV file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the Device Driver file again.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run Microsoft Windows

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with DRV extension. In this case close the other applications.

5. Ensure that you have the latest drivers and system updates and patches installed

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with Device Driver files and ensure security of your device and operating system. It may be the case that the DRV files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

Do you want to help?

If you have additional information about the DRV file, we will be grateful if you share it with our users. To do this, use the form here and send us your information on DRV file.

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